A 17-year-old British boy who had been missing for six years has been found in France and is expected to return home soon, according to the police. The boy, Alex Batty, disappeared when he was 11 years old along with his mother and grandfather. They were last seen before leaving for a vacation in Spain in 2017. It is believed that they had been living in the Pyrenees as part of a commune or spiritual community. The British police have not commented on the recent whereabouts of Alex or his relatives, as they want to speak to him first to establish the facts.

The discovery of Alex in France has brought immense relief to his family, who are "massively relieved" at his safe return. Chris Sykes, an assistant chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police, expressed his joy and relief over the news. He referred to Alex's hometown, Oldham, which is close to Manchester, and stated that it is a significant moment for Alex, his family, and the community.

Alex is currently in the care of the French authorities and had a video call with his legal guardian, his grandmother Susan Caruana, who resides in Oldham. Mr. Sykes mentioned that Susan has a range of emotions and feelings about the situation. Although she believes the person she spoke to was her grandson, the police still need to complete further checks when Alex returns to Britain. This is expected to happen within the next few days.

In 2018, Susan Caruana revealed that Alex and his relatives disappeared following disagreements about his care. She explained that his mother, Melanie Batty, and his grandfather, David Batty, sought an alternative lifestyle after arriving in Spain for a vacation. The British authorities want to question them regarding Alex's disappearance.

The delivery driver, Fabien Accidini, who found Alex, shared his account of the encounter. Accidini saw the teenager walking in the rain at around 2 a.m. in Chalabre and offered him a ride. Alex mentioned that he wanted to go to a big city and had been walking for four days. He also shared that he had spent time in Spain and France and had been living in a spiritual community.

French prosecutors confirmed that Alex, now 17, was found in Revel, southwestern France. Family members identified him from photographs, and he is expected to return to Britain soon. The Greater Manchester Police are in contact with the French authorities to coordinate his return. The current whereabouts of Alex's mother and grandfather remain unknown, and they are wanted by the British authorities for their involvement in his disappearance.

Alex's legal guardian, Susan Caruana, spoke to The Times of London and expressed her certainty that she had spoken to her grandson. She mentioned the relief of finally knowing that he is alive and expressed her hope for his reintegration into his previous life. She also mentioned the surreal feeling of not knowing if someone is dead or alive.

The authorities have not released a recent photograph of Alex, but previous images show a smiling boy with short, light brown hair. Fabien Accidini, the delivery driver who found Alex, expressed his confidence that the boy he encountered was indeed Alex Batty and wished him well in reconnecting with his previous life.

The news of Alex's reappearance has brought a mix of emotions, from relief and joy to curiosity and unanswered questions. The investigation into his disappearance and the circumstances surrounding it will continue as authorities work to piece together the details of this extraordinary story.